The European Union (EU) has called upon the federal and state governments to intensify their commitment to combat Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) by allocating funds to the 41 existing Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) situated across the country.
This appeal was made in light of the EU’s disclosure that an expenditure exceeding one billion Naira has been dedicated to the establishment and maintenance of SARCs nationwide. The announcement was made during the 9th Network Conference of Sexual Assault Referral Centres, held on Wednesday in Abuja as part of the activities marking the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence 2023.
EU Ambassador and Head of Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Samuela Isopi, disclosed that more than 35,000 survivors have availed themselves of the services provided by the SARCs across the nation. Isopi emphasized the need for federal and state governments to take ownership of these crucial centers by ensuring adequate funding.
Under the theme ‘Funding and Sustainability of Sexual Assault Referral Centres,’ the event was organized by the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC Phase II) Programme, funded by the European Union and implemented by the International Initiative for Democracy and Electoral Assistance.
Isopi highlighted that the funding infusion would significantly empower the SARCs to fulfill their mandate, offering free medical, counseling, and support services to survivors of sexual violence. Additionally, she stressed the EU’s commitment to advocating for the establishment of specialized courts dedicated to sexual and gender-based violence cases, aiming to expedite justice and reduce incidents of SGBV.
“In Nigeria, the European Union has contributed over a billion Naira in support of SARCs across the country, and we will continue to advocate for more centers and appropriate funding allocations at the federal and state levels to make them operational and sustainable,” stated Isopi. “Addressing violence against women and girls requires a comprehensive and collective approach. We will continue to collaborate with key stakeholders in supporting legislative instruments.”
Oluwatoyosi Giwa, Project Manager, Access to Justice and Coordinator of the Network of Sexual Assault Referral Centres, RoLAC II, outlined the objectives of the conference. Giwa stressed the need to address governance issues limiting the impact and sustainability of SARCs in Nigeria. The conference sought to establish clarity on advocacy efforts at the state level to secure funding from state governments for existing SARCs.
Giwa stated, “We still have a situation where state governments, as well as the Federal Government, are still not funding largely, SGBV response in Nigeria. And what I mean is that when it comes to emergency rescue, response, shelter services, medical, trauma counseling, we still have that significant gap where state governments and the federal government are still not putting the money where the legislation is. So, all of the different mechanisms that are supposed to respond are there, they are just not properly or adequately funded.”
During the event, the Attorney General of the Federal and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, represented by the Head of the SGBV Response Unit, Federal Ministry of Justice, Yewande Gbola-Awopetu, called for multi-sectoral support for the smooth operation of SARCs. The minister stressed the importance of budgetary allocations and human resource services from states to ensure effective functioning.
The Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, represented by the Assistant Director, Gender Affairs, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Iheanyichi Amanambu, urged states to allocate funds to the SARCs in their respective 2024 budgets. She highlighted the common challenge faced by these centers, emphasizing the weak commitment of sub-national governments to strengthen collaboration mechanisms, hindering optimal service delivery due to a lack of requisite funds.
